DOGSTAR LIVE!! | RITZ RALEIGH

Coverage by Chris Sturk

Dogstar Returns to Raleigh With a Packed House and Pure Rock & Roll

Dogstar performed to a crowd of more than 1,200 at the Ritz in Raleigh, celebrating their newest album All In Now, released earlier this year. This marks the second time f28 has covered the band’s Raleigh tour stop, and once again the night delivered exactly what fans came for.

Opening the evening was The Backfires, who set the tone with a sharp, energetic set that warmed up the room and had the crowd ready long before Dogstar stepped onstage.

The show itself was intentionally stripped down — no elaborate light rigs, no pyrotechnics, no distractions. Just pure, honest rock and roll. Bret, Robert, and Keanu were locked in from the moment they walked out, letting the music carry the night. They mixed older material with standout tracks from the new album, giving longtime fans and new listeners plenty to celebrate.

The crowd erupted the moment the band appeared, a wave of excitement that spoke to Dogstar’s legacy and the connection they’ve built over the years. Bret spent time talking with the audience, thanking everyone for coming out and making the night feel personal. Robert played with a grin that never faded, clearly enjoying every moment, while Keanu moved across the stage fully immersed in the feel and flow of the music.

It was a strong, heartfelt performance — the kind that reminds you why seeing Dogstar live is always worth the return trip.